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Tay KY, Wu KX, Chioh FWJ, Autio MI, Pek NMQ, Narmada BC, Tan SH, Low AFH, Lian MM, Chew EGY, Lau HH, Kao SL, Teo AKK, Foo JN, Foo RSY, Heng CK, Chan MYY, Cheung C. Trans-interaction of risk loci 6p24.1 and 10q11.21 is associated with endothelial damage in coronary artery disease. Atherosclerosis 2022; 362:11-22. [PMID: 36435092 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2022.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Single nucleotide polymorphism rs6903956 has been identified as one of the genetic risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD). However, rs6903956 lies in a non-coding locus on chromosome 6p24.1. We aim to interrogate the molecular basis of 6p24.1 containing rs6903956 risk alleles in endothelial disease biology. METHODS AND RESULTS We generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from CAD patients (AA risk genotype at rs6903956) and non-CAD subjects (GG non-risk genotype at rs6903956). CRISPR-Cas9-based deletions (Δ63-89bp) on 6p24.1, including both rs6903956 and a short tandem repeat variant rs140361069 in linkage disequilibrium, were performed to generate isogenic iPSC-derived endothelial cells. Edited CAD endothelial cells, with removal of 'A' risk alleles, exhibited a global transcriptional downregulation of pathways relating to abnormal vascular physiology and activated endothelial processes. A CXC chemokine ligand on chromosome 10q11.21, CXCL12, was uncovered as a potential effector gene in CAD endothelial cells. Underlying this effect was the preferential inter-chromosomal interaction of 6p24.1 risk locus to a weak promoter of CXCL12, confirmed by chromatin conformation capture assays on our iPSC-derived endothelial cells. Functionally, risk genotypes AA/AG at rs6903956 were associated significantly with elevated levels of circulating damaged endothelial cells in CAD patients. Circulating endothelial cells isolated from patients with risk genotypes AA/AG were also found to have 10 folds higher CXCL12 transcript copies/cell than those with non-risk genotype GG. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals the trans-acting impact of 6p24.1 with another CAD locus on 10q11.21 and is associated with intensified endothelial injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Yi Tay
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 59 Nanyang Drive, 636921, Singapore
| | - Kan Xing Wu
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 59 Nanyang Drive, 636921, Singapore
| | - Florence Wen Jing Chioh
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 59 Nanyang Drive, 636921, Singapore
| | - Matias Ilmari Autio
- Genome Institute of Singapore, 60 Biopolis Street, 138672, Singapore; Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Balakrishnan Chakrapani Narmada
- Genome Institute of Singapore, 60 Biopolis Street, 138672, Singapore; Experimental Drug Development Centre, A*STAR, 10 Biopolis Road, Singapore, 138670
| | - Sock-Hwee Tan
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; National University Heart Centre, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Adrian Fatt-Hoe Low
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; National University Heart Centre, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Michelle Mulan Lian
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 59 Nanyang Drive, 636921, Singapore
| | - Elaine Guo Yan Chew
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 59 Nanyang Drive, 636921, Singapore
| | - Hwee Hui Lau
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), A*STAR, Proteos, 138673, Singapore; School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 637551, Singapore
| | - Shih Ling Kao
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Medicine, National University Hospital and National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Adrian Kee Keong Teo
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), A*STAR, Proteos, 138673, Singapore
| | - Jia Nee Foo
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 59 Nanyang Drive, 636921, Singapore; Genome Institute of Singapore, 60 Biopolis Street, 138672, Singapore
| | - Roger Sik Yin Foo
- Genome Institute of Singapore, 60 Biopolis Street, 138672, Singapore; Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; National University Heart Centre, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Chew Kiat Heng
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Khoo Teck Puat, National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Mark Yan Yee Chan
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; National University Heart Centre, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Christine Cheung
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 59 Nanyang Drive, 636921, Singapore; Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), A*STAR, Proteos, 138673, Singapore.
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Zaghary WA, Elansary MM, Shouman DN, Abdelrahim AA, Abu-Zied KM, Sakr TM. Can nanotechnology overcome challenges facing stem cell therapy? A review. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2021.102883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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3
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Yu F, Goh YT, Li H, Chakrapani NB, Ni M, Xu GL, Hsieh TM, Toh YC, Cheung C, Iliescu C, Yu H. A vascular-liver chip for sensitive detection of nutraceutical metabolites from human pluripotent stem cell derivatives. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2020; 14:034108. [PMID: 32509050 PMCID: PMC7255812 DOI: 10.1063/5.0004286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) is a great resource for generating cell derivatives for drug efficiency testing. Metabolites of nutraceuticals can exert anti-inflammatory effects on blood vessels. However, the concentration of nutraceutical metabolites produced in hPSC-derived hepatocytes (hPSC-HEPs) is usually low. To enable the detection of these metabolites under the in vitro environment, we have developed a co-culture model consisting of parallel co-culture chambers and a recirculating microfluidic system with minimum fluid volume, optimal cell culture environment. The model allows cells to be exposed continuously to nutraceutical metabolites. In this perfused culturing model, hPSC-derived endothelial cells and hPSC-HEPs are co-cultured without physical contact. When an anti-inflammatory nutraceutical, quercetin, was administrated to the co-culture, higher levels of quercetin metabolites were detected on-chip compared with static control. We further induced inflammation with Interleukin-1β in the co-culture model and measured interleukin 8 (IL-8) generation. The IL-8 level was suppressed more significantly by quercetin metabolites in the perfusion co-culture, as compared to static culture. This is due to enhanced metabolites production on-chip. This microfluidic co-culture model enables in vitro screening of nutraceuticals using hPSC-derived cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Huan Li
- Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, A*STAR, The Nanos, #04-01, 31 Biopolis Way, Singapore 138669
| | | | - Ming Ni
- School of Biological Sciences and Engineering, Yachay Tech University, Hacienda San José s/n, San Miguel de Urcuquí 100105, Ecuador
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Abstract
Alcoholic liver diseases (ALD) are a wide spectrum of liver diseases caused by excessive alcohol consumption, from steatosis to cirrhosis. The pathogenesis of ALD is insufficiently understood, but mainly involves oxidative stress, inflammation, bacterial translocation, cell death, and impaired regeneration. Despite numerous attempts to improve patient prognosis, the treatment of advanced ALD is still based on abstinence, brief exposure to corticosteroids, or liver transplantation. However, poor response to corticosteroids and the shortage of liver donors leaves patients helpless towards the end stages. Advances in basic research have contributed to a better understanding of ALD pathophysiology, which offers new options for treatment. In recent years, several therapies related to liver regeneration have been tested with promising prospects, including molecule-induced liver regeneration, stem cell transplantation, and full-function 3D artificial liver assembly. This review discusses mechanisms underlying ALD that can be considered therapeutic targets for regeneration-based treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Lv
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Fujian Key Laboratory of Developmental and Neurobiology, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Kwok Fai So
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Fujian Key Laboratory of Developmental and Neurobiology, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Jia Xiao
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Fujian Key Laboratory of Developmental and Neurobiology, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350108, China.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
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5
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Chen F, Wang H, Xiao J. Regulated differentiation of stem cells into an artificial 3D liver as a transplantable source. Clin Mol Hepatol 2020; 26:163-179. [PMID: 32098013 PMCID: PMC7160355 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2019.0022n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
End-stage liver disease is one of the leading causes of death around the world. Since insufficient sources of transplantable liver and possible immune rejection severely hinder the wide application of conventional liver transplantation therapy, artificial three-dimensional (3D) liver culture and assembly from stem cells have become a new hope for patients with end-stage liver diseases, such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. However, the induced differentiation of single-layer or 3D-structured hepatocytes from stem cells cannot physiologically support essential liver functions due to the lack of formation of blood vessels, immune regulation, storage of vitamins, and other vital hepatic activities. Thus, there is emerging evidence showing that 3D organogenesis of artificial vascularized liver tissue from combined hepatic cell types derived from differentiated stem cells is practical for the treatment of end-stage liver diseases. The optimization of novel biomaterials, such as decellularized matrices and natural macromolecules, also strongly supports the organogenesis of 3D tissue with the desired complex structure. This review summarizes new research updates on novel differentiation protocols of stem cell-derived major hepatic cell types and the application of new supportive biomaterials. Future biological and clinical challenges of this concept are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Chen
- National Key Disciplines for Infectious Diseases, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jia Xiao
- Clinical Medicine Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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6
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Topography elicits distinct phenotypes and functions in human primary and stem cell derived endothelial cells. Biomaterials 2020; 234:119747. [PMID: 31951971 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.119747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The effective deployment of arterial (AECs), venous (VECs) and stem cell-derived endothelial cells (PSC-ECs) in clinical applications requires understanding of their distinctive phenotypic and functional characteristics, including their responses to microenvironmental cues. Efforts to mimic the in-vivo vascular basement membrane milieu have led to the design and fabrication of nano- and micro-topographical substrates. Although the basement membrane architectures of arteries and veins are different, investigations into the effects of substrate topographies have so far focused on generic EC characteristics. Thus, topographical modulation of arterial- or venous-specific EC phenotype and function remains unknown. Here, we comprehensively evaluated the effects of 16 unique topographies on primary AECs, VECs and human PSC-ECs using a Multi Architectural (MARC) Chip. Gratings and micro-lenses augmented venous-specific phenotypes and depressed arterial functions in VECs; while AECs did not respond consistently to topography. PSC-ECs exhibited phenotypic and functional maturation towards an arterial subtype with increased angiogenic potential, NOTCH1 and Ac-LDL expression on gratings. Specific topographies could elicit different phenotypic and functional changes, despite similar morphological response in different ECs, demonstrating no direct correlation between the two responses.
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7
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Pek NMQ, Phua QH, Ho BX, Pang JKS, Hor JH, An O, Yang HH, Yu Y, Fan Y, Ng SY, Soh BS. Mitochondrial 3243A > G mutation confers pro-atherogenic and pro-inflammatory properties in MELAS iPS derived endothelial cells. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:802. [PMID: 31641105 PMCID: PMC6805858 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-2036-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) syndrome is a mitochondrial disorder that is commonly caused by the m.3243A > G mutation in the MT-TL1 gene encoding for mitochondrial tRNA(Leu(UUR)). While clinical studies reported cerebral infarcts, atherosclerotic lesions, and altered vasculature and stroke-like episodes (SLE) in MELAS patients, it remains unclear how this mutation causes the onset and subsequent progression of the disease. Here, we report that in addition to endothelial dysfunction, diseased endothelial cells (ECs) were found to be pro-atherogenic and pro-inflammation due to high levels of ROS and Ox-LDLs, and high basal expressions of VCAM-1, in particular isoform b, respectively. Consistently, more monocytes were found to adhere to MELAS ECs as compared to the isogenic control, suggesting the presence of an atherosclerosis-like pathology in MELAS. Notably, these disease phenotypes in endothelial cells can be effectively reversed by anti-oxidant treatment suggesting that the lowering of ROS is critical for treating patients with MELAS syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Min Qian Pek
- Disease Modeling and Therapeutics Laboratory, A*STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 61 Biopolis Drive Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Qian Hua Phua
- Disease Modeling and Therapeutics Laboratory, A*STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 61 Biopolis Drive Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Beatrice Xuan Ho
- Disease Modeling and Therapeutics Laboratory, A*STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 61 Biopolis Drive Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore.,Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Jeremy Kah Sheng Pang
- Disease Modeling and Therapeutics Laboratory, A*STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 61 Biopolis Drive Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore.,Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Jin-Hui Hor
- Disease Modeling and Therapeutics Laboratory, A*STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 61 Biopolis Drive Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore.,Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore.,Neurotherapeutics Laboratory, A*STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 61 Biopolis Drive Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Omer An
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Henry He Yang
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Yang Yu
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yong Fan
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China.
| | - Shi-Yan Ng
- Neurotherapeutics Laboratory, A*STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 61 Biopolis Drive Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore. .,Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China. .,National Neuroscience Institute, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore, 308433, Singapore. .,Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, 2 Medical Dr, Singapore, 117593, Singapore.
| | - Boon-Seng Soh
- Disease Modeling and Therapeutics Laboratory, A*STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 61 Biopolis Drive Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore. .,Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore. .,Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China.
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8
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Ong LJY, Ching T, Chong LH, Arora S, Li H, Hashimoto M, DasGupta R, Yuen PK, Toh YC. Self-aligning Tetris-Like (TILE) modular microfluidic platform for mimicking multi-organ interactions. LAB ON A CHIP 2019; 19:2178-2191. [PMID: 31179467 DOI: 10.1039/c9lc00160c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Multi-organ perfusion systems offer the unique opportunity to mimic different physiological systemic interactions. However, existing multi-organ culture platforms have limited flexibility in specifying the culture conditions, device architectures, and fluidic connectivity simultaneously. Here, we report a modular microfluidic platform that addresses this limitation by enabling easy conversion of existing microfluidic devices into tissue and fluid control modules with self-aligning magnetic interconnects. This enables a 'stick-n-play' approach to assemble planar perfusion circuits that are amenable to both bioimaging-based and analytical measurements. A myriad of tissue culture and flow control TILE modules were successfully constructed with backward compatibility. Finally, we demonstrate applications in constructing recirculating multi-organ systems to emulate liver-mediated bioactivation of nutraceuticals and prodrugs to modulate their therapeutic efficacies in the context of atherosclerosis and cancer. This platform greatly facilitates the integration of existing organs-on-chip models to provide an intuitive and flexible way for users to configure different multi-organ perfusion systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Jun Ye Ong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4, Engineering Drive 3, E4-04-10, 117583, Singapore.
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9
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Arora S, Lam AJY, Cheung C, Yim EKF, Toh YC. Determination of critical shear stress for maturation of human pluripotent stem cell-derived endothelial cells towards an arterial subtype. Biotechnol Bioeng 2019; 116:1164-1175. [PMID: 30597522 DOI: 10.1002/bit.26910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cell-derived endothelial cells (hPSC-ECs) present an attractive alternative to primary EC sources for vascular grafting. However, there is a need to mature them towards either an arterial or venous subtype. A vital environmental factor involved in the arteriovenous specification of ECs during early embryonic development is fluid shear stress; therefore, there have been attempts to employ adult arterial shear stress conditions to mature hPSC-ECs. However, hPSC-ECs are naïve to fluid shear stress, and their shear responses are still not well understood. Here, we used a multiplex microfluidic platform to systematically investigate the dose-time shear responses on hPSC-EC morphology and arterial-venous phenotypes over a range of magnitudes coincidental with physiological levels of embryonic and adult vasculatures. The device comprised of six parallel cell culture chambers that were individually linked to flow-setting resistance channels, allowing us to simultaneously apply shear stress ranging from 0.4 to 15 dyne/cm 2 . We found that hPSC-ECs required up to 40 hr of shear exposure to elicit a stable phenotypic change. Cell alignment was visible at shear stress <1 dyne/cm 2 , which was independent of shear stress magnitude and duration of exposure. We discovered that the arterial markers NOTCH1 and EphrinB2 exhibited a dose-dependent increase in a similar manner beyond a threshold level of 3.8 dyne/cm 2 , whereas the venous markers COUP-TFII and EphB4 expression remained relatively constant across different magnitudes. These findings indicated that hPSC-ECs were sensitive to relatively low magnitudes of shear stress, and a critical level of ~4 dyne/cm 2 was sufficient to preferentially enhance their maturation into an arterial phenotype for future vascular tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seep Arora
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Singapore Institute for Neurotechnology (SINAPSE), National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Adele Jing Ying Lam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Christine Cheung
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technical University, Singapore, Singapore.,Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Evelyn K F Yim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Yi-Chin Toh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Singapore Institute for Neurotechnology (SINAPSE), National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Biomedical Institute for Global Health Research and Technology (BIGHEART), National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,NUS Tissue Engineering Program, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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10
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Liu G, Wu R, Yang B, Deng C, Lu X, Walker SJ, Ma PX, Mou S, Atala A, Zhang Y. Human Urine-Derived Stem Cell Differentiation to Endothelial Cells with Barrier Function and Nitric Oxide Production. Stem Cells Transl Med 2018; 7:686-698. [PMID: 30011128 PMCID: PMC6127250 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.18-0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells (ECs) play a key role in revascularization within regenerating tissue. Stem cells are often used as an alternative cell source when ECs are not available. Several cell types have been used to give rise to ECs, such as umbilical cord vessels, or differentiated from somatic stem cells, embryonic, or induced pluripotent stem cells. However, the latter carry the potential risk of chronic immune rejection and oncogenesis. Autologous endothelial precursors are an ideal resource, but currently require an invasive procedure to obtain them from the patient's own blood vessels or bone marrow. Thus, the goal of this study was to determine whether urine-derived stem cells (USCs) could differentiate into functional ECs in vitro. Urine-derived cells were then differentiated into cells of the endothelial lineage using endothelial differentiation medium for 14 days. Changes in morphology and ultrastructure, and functional endothelial marker expression were assessed in the induced USCs in vitro. Grafts of the differentiated USCs were then subcutaneously injected into nude mice. Induced USCs expressed significantly higher levels of specific markers of ECs (CD31, vWF, eNOS) in vitro and in vivo, compared to nondifferentiated USCs. In addition, the differentiated USC formed intricate tubular networks and presented similar tight junctions, and migration and invasion ability, as well as ability to produce nitric oxide (NO) compared to controls. Using USCs as autologous EC sources for vessel, tissue engineering strategies can yield a sufficient number of cells via a noninvasive, simple, and low-cost method suitable for rapid clinical translation. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2018 Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2018;7:686-698.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guihua Liu
- Reproductive Centre, Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guang Dong, People's Republic of China.,Wake Forest Institute of Regenerative Medicine
| | - Rongpei Wu
- Wake Forest Institute of Regenerative Medicine.,Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guang Dong, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Yang
- Wake Forest Institute of Regenerative Medicine.,Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunhua Deng
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guang Dong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiongbing Lu
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, People's Republic of China
| | | | - Peter X Ma
- School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Steve Mou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
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